Charity Auction Raises 100 K

The coffers at the Northern Cancer Fund are overflowing after another successful fundraiser.  Organizers says Thursday night's Bachelors of Hope Charity Auction raised 100 thousand dollars.

Feds Dole Out $ For EA Involvement

The Harper government is giving 160 thousand dollars to ten Northwestern Ontario groups. It's to support their participation in the  environmental assessment of the proposed Rainy River Gold Project.  Most of the groups are Aboriginal and the funding will allow them to be involved more effectively in each stage of the process


Applicant Allocation

Big Grassy River First Nation $15,192.50
Métis Nation of Ontario, on behalf of the Métis Nation of Ontario Region #1 Consultation Committee $30,600.00
Naicatchewenin First Nation $30,600.00
Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Whitefish Bay) $26,890.00
Rainy River First Nations $12,677.87
Couchiching First Nation $10,200.00
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation $10,200.00
Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation $10,200.00
Seine River First Nation $9,980.00
Stefan Szeder, on behalf of the Rainy River Soil and Crop Improvement Association $9,840.00

Total$166,380.37

ELA Supporters Protest

Protesters are in front of MPP Michael Gravelle's office demanding the province take over the running of the Experimental Lakes Area, west of Vermilion Bay.   It comes as Kenora MP Greg Rickford confirms secret talks are taking place to have a third party take over the facility from the feds.

CU Merger Complete

It's a done deal now.  Members of the Copperfin Credit Union in Kenora and Superior Credit Union in Thunder Bay have voted in favour of merging.   The newly formed financial institution will officially begin operating under the Copperfin name on May first.

Eco Superior Gets Cash For Food Plan

The Ontario Trilluim Foundation is giving Eco Superior over 200 Thousand Dollars to create a food strategy for the area. The money will let Eco Superior hire a coordinator and develop education materials and a communications plan. The grant will be given over a three year period.

Fletcher Preps For Monday Update

The head of the city's disaster relief committee is preparing to update city councillors Monday night.   Wayne Fletcher hopes to outline when payouts to victims of the May 28th flood can begin flowing,  something he says is still an unknown.   Fletcher says the most frustrating part of the process has been the amount of government red tape he's had to encounter.  As well Fletcher says they will have the total amount of money raised to date, about 1 and a half million dollars, and the total cash eligible for payouts.

Cross Canada Food Ride

Two Lakehead University students will bike ten thousand kilometres across Canada this summer to collect food and money for Canadian food banks. FoodRide will set up 22 food drives across the country, looking to raise $100,000 in food and money. Their journey starts on April 25th in Victoria, British Columbia, and will end September 8th in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Million Dollar Bust

The Combined Forces Crime Unit have taken a significant amount of drugs off the street thanks to a recent bust. Officials say officers searched homes on Miles street and Frances street and found cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana valued at over one million dollars. Police also found nearly 22,000 dollars cash in the homes. 28-year-old Ryan Wilson Christianson is in police custody, and will appear in court later today.

Leadership Thunder Bay Celebrates Anniversary

Leadership Thunder Bay is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Leadership T.Bay is a training program that molds professionals into community leaders. President Kristen Oliver says it's quite the achievement. The official celebration will be held at Gargoyles May 1st.

Hospital Exec. Not Worried About C Rank

A Spokesperson for the Health Sciences Centre says they're not bothered by a recent health report card grading them a C. Dr. Stewart Kennedy says the C is an indication that they have to look at areas where they can improve. Kennedy notes because they are a teaching hospital they are open to more severely sick patients. Wednesday's report showed poor grades for the number of patients who die after undergoing major surgery. The report is based on information found in the Canadian Institute For Health.

Injured Workers Rally At Gravelle's Office

Members of Thunder Bay's Injured Workers group are asking the Provincial Government to stop cutting benefits for the injured and disabled. President Janet Peterson says massive cuts in the system are resulting in many people ending up in poverty and collecting social assistance. Peterson and others are rallying at MPP Michael Gravelle's office today.

MS Society New Location

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Thunder Bay is getting an upgrade. They will be opening their new office today. Regional President Linda Adamson says part of the reason for a new office was because of growing staff. Adamson says the Thunder Bay chapter is now the regional office for Northern and Northwestern Ontario.

Bachelor Auction

The Hope Charity Auction will be auctioning off ten of Thunder Bay's most eligible bachelors tonight in support of breast cancer research. Auction spokesperson Laurie Clark says it's really a ladies night out. All money raised in the auction will be donated to the Northern Cancer Fund.

Rally Against First Nation Education Legislation

The Chiefs of Ontario are rallying in Thunder Bay today against the Federal Government's proposed First Nations education legislation. Spokesperson Gordon Peters says they want a new formula for teaching First Nations youth. Peters says the proposed legislation maintains the status quo and won't help aboriginal kids.

Robins Robbed

Police are looking for a man they believe robbed the May Street Robins Donuts earlier this morning.  At 3 am a lone man entered the coffee shop with a scarf wrapped around his face, brandishing a knife.  Police say the suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen heading west on Arthur Street.  No one was hurt.

United Way Dishes Out Cash

The United Way's Youth 4 Community Program is doling out just over 9-thousand dollars to three local charities. Spokesperson Sandra Albertson says the Roots to Harvest Food organization received 5-thousand dollars for a program that provides local agriculture industry mentorship to young people who can't find employment. Evergreen A United Neighbourhood is getting just over a thousand dollars, and the Children's Centre will use over 2-thousand dollars for its youth drop in group.

OPP Drug Bust Near Marathon

OPP in Marathon have made a significant drug bust in a routine traffic stop. Police stopped the vehicle for speeding, and found just over nine kilograms of marijuana in the trunk. A 25-year-old Timmins man has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

New Helpline For Children's Aid Services

Local children's aid groups are working together on a new Ministry funded help line.  Dilico Family Care, North of Superior Counselling and the Children's Centre signed an agreement yesterday dealing with a new "Access Network" toll free phone number and website.  The site and phone number will provide a single point of access to local children's mental services.

Auditorium Disturbance Results In Charge

City Police are charging a man with being drunk in a public place. It stems from Mayor Keith Hobbs taking the man out of a the Community Auditorium last night. Hobbs told police when they arrived the man had become verbally abusive in the meeting. The man is facing a 65 dollar fine and a notice was issued to not allow the man back onto the auditorium property.

Thunder Bay Woman Wins One Million

A Thunder Bay woman is the city's newest lottery winner. Sherida Ward won one million dollars on the Lotto 649 Encore draw last month. Ward bought the ticket at the Good Luck Lottery Shoppe.

Hospital Graded A C

A media website ranking the quality of care at hospitals is giving Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre a C.  It shows poor grades for readmissions and the number of patients who die after undergoing major surgery.  The report is based on information found in the Canadian Institute For Health Information.

Pigeon River Border Activity Down

The Canada Border Services Agency is reporting a decrease in traffic in February.  CBSA officers at the Pigeon River border crossing processed nearly 18,000 vehicles, a decrease by one and a half percent compared to the same time last year.

NAN Signs Education Agreement

The provincial government and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation have signed an agreement on First Nation Education.  The agreement focuses on supporting NAN students in reaching their full academic potential.  It also aims to improve student support services and enhance human resources.

Bike Van Collision Leads To Charges

A 19 year old cyclist is charged after being involved in a collision with a mini van Monday night.  It happened at the intersection of High Street and Kenwood Avenue.  Police say she was wearing headphones and listening to music at the time of the incident.  The woman is facing a charge of failing to make a turn safely, which could result in a fine of 110 dollars.

Mayor Removes Man From Public Meeting

Police are confirming Mayor Keith Hobbs removed a man from the Community Auditorium last night.  They say a man was causing problems at the Mining Readiness Strategy Public Meeting, when the former Police Officer Hobbs took him out of the room.  Police were called and they brought the man into the Police Station for public intoxication.

Border Cats Add Six

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have added six new players to their roster. Second baseman Michael Foster, outfielders Geoff Jimenez and Alex Bautista, catcher Dylan Goodwin and pitchers Zach Thiac and Blake Smith will join the Border Cats for the upcoming season. The Border Cats open their season on June 1st.

Gorjann Morriseau New FWFN Chief

Fort William First Nation's new Chief is Georjann Morriseau.  She received 243 votes.  Runner up Michael Joseph Pelletier received 238.  Elections were held on Sunday with 711 valid ballots cast for chief. Morriseau says she is humbled by the election and will take office on April the 15th.

Tall Ship Sorlandet Coming To T.Bay

Lake Superior Day this summer will welcome the Norwegian Tall Ship the Sorlandet.  Eco Superior Spokesperson Ashley Priem says she lucked out on booking the vessel.  Thunder Bay's Pool 6 Cruise Ship Dock will accomodate the tall ship on Sunday, July 21st from 10 until 5.

LU Steel Bridge Team Moving On

Lakehead University's Steel Bridge Team is moving on to a national competition. The team finished first at a regional competition last month, and will take part in another competition in Seattle at the end of May.

CMHC Out With Housing Stats

The Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation is out with its latest housing stats.  In March, Thunder Bay saw 3 new housing starts compared to only 1 last year at that time.  CMHC Analyst Warren Philp says after a long winter housing starts should take off in the coming months.  Philp says so far this year they've had 7 housing starts compared to 4 at this time last year.

Car Hits Shopper's Drug Mart

City Police are reporting someone drove into the window of Shopper's Drug Mart on Memorial Avenue.  The incident happened at 4:30 this morning.  No one was injured.

18 Million Dollars In Road Work Approved

Let the work begin.  City councillors have approved 18 million dollars worth of road and sidewalk construction for this year.  The city's  Darrell Matson says we are getting a good bang for our buck this year because some bids came in lower than predicted.  The approval include 7 million dollars worth of work on Junot Street and Golf Links Road

Resolute To Appeal Assessment Of City Mill

The City is preparing for a tax fight against Resolute Forest Products.   Resolute is appealing it's property assessment from the province and wants a reduction of 60 per cent,  retroactive by four years.  If successful the amount of taxes Resolute pays to the city would drop by 1.8 million dollars a year. Mayor Keith Hobbs calls it ridiculous and says the city has already contacted a lawyer with the aim of taking  the company on. The company's appeal is expected to go before a government review board in June.

Treaty 3 Has Big Crime Problem

Financial pressure is hurting the Treaty 3 Police Service in their battle with high crime rates. The Treaty 3 Police service area currently has the worst crime severity index in the province. Terry Armstrong is the Deputy Chief of Police in charge of operations, and says they are doing everything they can to lower the numbers.  Armstrong says the force has also seen a 41 percent increase in calls for service.

NWO Man Charged In Website Hacking

Dryden Police have charged an 18-year-old Ear Falls man after the website of a local business was hacked.The business contacted police in February, and told them that someone had targeted their website, causing it to crash, and threatened the employees and their family members. With the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Intelligence Unit and Red Lake O.P.P, police arrested the man. He is charged with Mischief to Data and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was released from custody, and is due in court next month.

New Strategy Gets FedNor $

The Harper government is helping the city and the Fort William First Nation with the newly minted Mining Readiness Strategy.   FedNor minister Tony Clement announcing a grant of 75 thousand dollars today in support of the strategy. 

Badanai's Hair Raiser For Camp Quality

A Thunder Bay business man hopes to raise 20-thousand dollars for Camp Quality.  George Badanai of Badanai Motors is going to auction off the rights to his hair to the highest bidder.  Badanai says he'll rock any hair style for a good cause.

OPP Charging 18 Year Old

OPP are charging an 18 year old man with a number of traffic act offences after a collision on the Harbour Expressway.  On Saturday, a Kia was south bound attempting to change lanes when the driver lost control and struck a north bound Ford Explorer.   Three people were transported to the hospital.  Both vehicles were badly damaged.

Two Stabbings This Past Weekend

Thunder Bay Police are reporting two separate stabbings and a close call with a knife this past weekend.  Just after 12:30 in the morning April 6th, Police investigated a fight involving 20 people on the bike  path behind Georgina Bay.  A 20 year old man was sent to the hospital in that incident.  At 2 in the morning Saturday, Police responded to a report of a stabbing at a Lawrence Avenue home.  The 21 year old man was a victim of a stabbing after a fight broke out with three unwanted party guests.  On Sunday, Police were called to a Manitou Street home for a call about someone using a knife as a weapon.  A 30 year old man is charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats.

Council Presentations

It's a night full of presentations. City Council will hear from former Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins. Collins will be providing a farewell speech. Council will also hear about Thunder Bay and Fort William First Nation's Mining Readiness Strategy.

Fort William First Nations Election Results

We'll find out later today who the new Chief of Fort William First Nation is. Yesterday was Election Day in the community. Ballots will start to be counted at 9 am today and is expected to take several hours. 5 people were running for the top job, and 59 people are looking to win a Council seat.

City Could Award 18 Million In Contracts

City Council could dole out tons of cash tonight.  Several road repair projects are up for debate.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's a historical night for spending with 18 million dollars on the table.  Almost 7-million dollars is expected to be spent on the first phase of improving Golf Links Road.

OTF Gives Money To Nordic Trails

Thunder Bay's Nordic Trails is 37 thousand dollars richer.  The group is on the receiving end of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.  The money will be used to provide better trails.

Spring MIA

We could get some relief from snow starting tomorrow afternoon.  Environment Canada Meterologist Geoff Coulson says we'll have to suffer through snowfall for the rest of today.  Coulson says we should have sunny days for the rest of the week starting Wednesday.

Slippery Roads Drive Slow

Thunder Bay Police are reminding the public to use common sense when driving this morning and slow down on slippery roads. Police say area roads are quite slippery today with the overnight snowfall.  Drivers are encouraged to drive carefully and to allow for extra time to get to work this morning.

Fort William First Nation Chief Election

Fort William First Nation residents go to the polls today. 5 people are vying for Chief, and 59 people are looking to win a Council seat. Electoral Officer Paula Hyslop says they saw a decrease in the number of people running for council this year. Voting is open from 9 am until 8 tonight.

Bombardier Introducing Healthy Choices

Bombardier employees will have more healthy options in their cafeteria. The local plant is taking part in the health unit's Eat Smart, Workplace Cafeteria Program. Employees will dine on more whole grains, lower fat milk choices, and at least 3 out of the 4 food groups.

Mary Rose And AJ Jump In The Lake

Our Mary Rose Jensen and AJ Leite took the plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Superior on Saturday. Here's the video: 

Polar Plunge 2013

This year's Polar Bear Plunge is today. Spokesperson Warren Giertuga encourages people to come out to Prince Arthur's Landing and watch if they're not comfortable with taking the plunge themselves. The event is in support of the Special Olympics.

Rotary House Ready

The Rotary Club is back with it's annual house lottery. Spokesperson Gordie Garriock says the 415-thousand dollar home is located at 242 Sunflower Drive and will be open to the public this weekend. Part of the money raised from the raffle will go towards the Regional Hospital.

No Foul Play In Kenora Death

Police in Kenora say it appears a recent death in the city was a tragic accident.  They found the man lying on the street under a broken forth floor window.   He was identified as a  construction worker from Toronto.  Police say a post mortem shows there was no evidence the death was the result of foul play